Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Minnetrista staff recommend pursuing Midco franchise; council OKs tower lease talks without $10,000 stipend
Summary
City staff said Midco (Midcontinent Communications) has proposed a nonexclusive franchise to build internet to every Minnetrista address over about two years; staff will work with the city's cable attorney to draft an agreement. Council indicated support and asked staff to return a business-item draft. Separately, staff recommended a Lakeside Networks tower lease without the prior $10,000 inspection stipend to preserve the city's cable fund.
Minnetrista staff told the City Council at a June 3 work session that Midco (Midcontinent Communications) has asked to enter a franchise agreement to provide internet, video and phone service citywide, and staff recommended moving forward with drafting terms.
"Midco approached the city requesting to enter into a franchise agreement to provide video and Internet service to the entire city," said Ally Palfos, director of administration. Palfos said Midco plans to begin construction with internet services and would follow with franchise paperwork for cable services, and that the company’s plan includes at least one currently unserved address.
Palfos told the council Midco cited a strong local uptake on a prior…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
